tact-and-impulse

Abruptly, Kougami turned towards her. “Sorry, do I have crumbs on my face?”

She jolted. “O-oh, no! I was, um, thinking. Were you interested in one of the books?”

“Not exactly, I was curious about what the current bestsellers are.”

“I could let you know. All of them should be in my e-reader queue, although I haven’t opened it since I started at the Public Safety Bureau.” 

It had only been a month, which had flown by in a blur of alerts and Dominator flashes. Masaoka and Kunizuka were courteous to her, whereas Kagari and Sasayama seemed to delight in keeping her on her toes. By far, Kougami had been the most helpful, offering guidance while respecting her as a partner. She had felt incredibly relieved when he said they would conduct surveillance together this time.

“Hmm. So, you automatically add them?”

“It became a habit, because of how busy I was in school.” She admitted. “But you don’t?”

“No, I do my own browsing. I prefer the classics; the latest series I’ve started was by Yokomizo Seishi. I have a paperback of The Village of Eight Graves. You can borrow it, if you don’t mind dog-eared pages and annotations.”

“My grandmother would fold the corners in her books, but I haven’t heard of anyone else who writes in their copies.” Something in her tone must have given it away, because he wryly smiled over the rim of his black coffee.

“Are you offended?”

“I’m not sure how I feel…it seems a little strange. Do you write in every book?”

“Only those that cause me to analyze and reflect. I haven’t found anything recently, so I’m on the hunt for something new.”

“Even though you’re planning to move?”

“Did Gino-Inspector Ginoza, mention that?” He shook his head, assuming correctly. “It’s really for the space, but wherever I go, I want to fill it with books.”

She slowly nodded. “I agree.”

“Ah, but would your collection be as pure as your Hue?”

Akane had relaxed, but now, she was flustered all over again. “Kougami-san!”

He dissolved into laughter, and it made him look a great deal younger, almost like they were peers. Inexplicably, she wondered what else would make him laugh so heartily. 

He then said. “Well, regardless of your opinion, the offer still stands on my end.”

“Actually, I’ll take you up on it. I’d like to study your example, after all.” Then, movement drew her eye, as their suspect finally arrived. She tucked her hair behind her ear, their agreed-upon sign.

“Well, back to work.” Kougami nodded. To her surprise, he offered his hand in a chivalrous gesture. “Let’s go, Tsunemori-san. When we’re done, you can take your pick of what I have.”

And when her touch slid upon his, her pulse quickened. Looking shyly up at him, she murmured. “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

ii. two minds, two hearts

Kougami had never made any secret of who he was, and that evening, when he invited the newest Enforcer to his room, his notes remained where they were.

She lurched, openly staring at the array. “…What is this?”

“My conclusions on how your Crime Coefficient was altered.” He sat her down on the couch, pouring two glasses of the whiskey Pops had left behind. The liquor’s burn was almost enough to counter the sting of memory.

A single bullet had ended Makishima’s life, but the trajectory was through a vital part of the truck, igniting a fiery explosion. And when Kougami sprinted towards the wreckage, he was not thinking of crime or punishment, but of Akane. It was only after he had carried her to safety and extinguished the flames from her clothes, that he looked back at the immolated remains of Makishima.

Akane’s voice was barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to investigate. This is what the Sybil System has decided.”

“That your Psycho-Pass was more affected by Makishima burning alive, than his murder of your friend or a Memory Scoop? I don’t believe it.” He set his glass on the table, the liquid sloshing against the rim. “So there has to be a way for you to be reinstated as an Inspector.”

“Kougami-san.” At last, she met his gaze. She knew more. It was evident in her weary expression, the bruising under her eyes from sleepless nights. “I’ve accepted my change in position. And from watching you, it isn’t bad being an Enforcer. In fact, I’m glad that you’re still one.”

“Did you bargain with the System for me?”

Her breath caught.

“You didn’t have to, I was prepared to accept any outcome when I was detained, even if it was Lethal Eliminator instead of Paralyzer.”

“Please don’t say that!” She seemed to crumple inward, a sob escaping her throat.

Kougami bit back a curse; he’d already acknowledged how fragile she was and still didn’t hold back. “That was a bad joke on my part. Sorry.” And maybe it was the shock of her tears or the whiskey on an empty stomach, but he pulled her closer. It was actually natural, to have his fingers threaded in her hair as he guided her cheek to his shoulder.

After a minute, her trembling subsided, and she glanced up through her lashes. “You apologized.”

“I did.” He allowed a half-smile. “Although I don’t expect you to forgive me.”

“Even so, it wouldn’t change anything. You’ve always followed your own path.”

“And you ended up following me too far. That’s why I’m doing this.” His gaze returned to his notes. The keystone was when Chief Kasei clasped Gino’s Dominator-

Akane’s lips landed clumsily on his mouth: soft, warm, and electrifying all at once. It was a fleeting touch, with traces of salt, liquor, and lemon-flavored gloss. Kougami’s hand froze on the back of her head, but before he could decide to hold her tighter or gentler, she had already pulled away. The spark of a different thirst intermingled with disappointment, then concern. Her eyes were wide, as if she stunned herself, but it couldn’t be undone. 

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have k-kissed you.” She stumbled on the word, and it was endearing enough to tempt him to press in for another.

“Do I look like I mind?” His skin was buzzing, his hands itching to take hold of her. Instead, he leaned back, waiting for her to make the next move.

But embarrassment won out. Abruptly, she disentangled their embrace and headed for the door. “Good night, Kougami-san!” 

He called out. “Enforcers aren’t banned from getting involved with each other.” He smirked, glimpsing her red face before she hurried off. Alone with his thoughts again, he polished off the whiskey and couldn’t resist touching his mouth. Whether it was a distraction or a genuine attempt, he realized he didn’t care.

iii. despair to their enemies

“I’m not going to use the gun.”

Rather forcibly, Akane pushed the rifle back into Kougami’s hands. Not for the first time since they reunited, he sighed.

“You had no trouble pointing a pistol at me two weeks ago.”

“I was intending to arrest you, and I wouldn’t have made a lethal shot. What you’re offering is different.”

“Then, think of it as protection. That crazy colonel accused you of deserting your mission, and all of Shambala Float will be after the bounty on you.”

“I’ll think of something, you know I can be creative.”

“Yes, as an Inspector. But on the run? You have to take what you can get.”

“Like chili powder, fish hooks, and the caltrops we made from durian rind last night.”

He didn’t respond, opting to store the gun away. The rain had started again, a crescendo on their hideout’s thatched roof. Monsoon season obscured the army’s surveillance, and when they weren’t lying low, Kougami demonstrated how to forage and navigate the dense jungle. If Unit 1 saw him, they’d declare he’d gone native. She wondered how long she could spend in this lush green world, before she was unable to find her way back.

Suddenly, her legs were kicked from underneath her, and she crashed to the floor. Her training took over, and she rolled, just as Kougami’s fist hurtled down. Akane grabbed the nearest object, a woven basket, and tossed it in his direction. He ducked easily, but she had bought the seconds needed to recover her stance. When she lifted her gaze, he was positioned at an angle. As if he held a rifle.

Irritation flashed through her body, a lightning surge powering her sprint. This was a test, and she didn’t appreciate it. She went through the motions, the disarming technique they practiced every night. “If I’m seen shooting at a drone, that would be further evidence for Wong. If I’m responsible for a soldier’s death, diplomacy with Japan would crumble. And if it’s a civilian, I wouldn’t forgive myself.”

“And I’d never forgive myself, if you’re hurt or killed.” He snapped, blocking her weakened offensive strike. His attacks picked up speed and power, and she was forced to retreat, her back to the wall. His thigh wedged between hers and he pinned her wrists to the bamboo slats. His eyes were shadowed as he loomed over her. “You have to live to catch me, Akane.”

The use of her name caused her to shiver involuntarily, and his grip tightened on her hands. She glared at his impassive face, the same as the rainy night they met.

And she remembered she was never out of options.

Slowly, with minute motions, she rocked her hips forward, then down. Right over the hard muscle of his upper leg. A new slickness, sweet and aching, poured out of her. Kougami gave a startled grunt.

“What are you doing?” He roughly asked.

“Being creative.” She responded, her voice breathy. And honestly, it certainly wasn’t the first time she’d been this wet in his presence. She took full advantage now, letting her legs fall apart and surrendering to the friction. Judging by the firm nudge against her inner thigh, her idea was succeeding. 

His throat worked, a flush in his face. Then, he pressed closer, tilting her further but before she could lose her tenuous balance, he realigned them. She glanced down, at his erection straining under his black pants; she couldn’t suppress the sound she made. Control, she had to be in control. But it was difficult to tell who was seducing whom, when he huffed in her ear and his blunt head prodded against the drenched outline of her folds.

They hadn’t slept together but the boundary was already blurring. It was easy to cite survival when reaching for the other’s touch in the jungle, or keeping their bedrolls adjacent. It was less so, when he lifted the hem of his shirt to wipe his brow or she attempted camouflage with tropical flowers in her hair, and they would be suspended in a staring contest, which neither won. 

They never went as far as this maddening grind, just short of sex. His thrusts were obstructed by her panties, her clit was just barely stimulated by the seam over his zipper. Steadily, they were climbing to the unknown, the inevitable, the wild intensity of the moment.

In a rare sign of tenderness, he nuzzled her cheek. “Akane.”

She was so tempted to look at him. But if she did, she’d give in immediately.

Aiming for his shoulder, she bit down, clamping tight until his fingers slackened on her wrists and she seized her chance. A poor takedown by her standards, but he sprawled in a daze. She stood over him, trying to appear steady.

“I win.”

Kougami’s expression was slack, before he reddened further and muttered. “Don’t do that to anyone else.”

She gave a short laugh, languidly replying. “Of course, I wouldn’t.” 

The corner of his mouth lifted, and then, he clasped her waist, as he rose to his feet. She had already decided she wouldn’t run, when the radio crackled with static and a rapid series of words. His jaw clenched. “Well, the military has arrived at the temples. Possibly, to draw us out.”

“It’s horrific…wait, then it must be reflected in the soldiers’ Crime Coefficients. We have to obtain the data; it should be stored wherever they had access, most likely a helipad. And their weapons and vehicles can be disabled too.”

“Now, you’re thinking like a rebel.” He let go, pivoting for the door.

His words reverberated in her mind, and Akane grudgingly understood. It was already too late for her to find her way back.

iv. joy to their friends

With a deep exhale, Kougami sank into the hot water. Compared to the mountain streams over the past weeks, even the cramped tub was a luxury. He folded his knees, considering the circumstances that brought them to this safehouse. In his early days on the mainland, he wouldn’t have hesitated; now, the pale ghost had vanished, replaced by a partner, in every sense of the word.

A knock interrupted his thoughts, followed by Akane’s voice. “It’s me, can I come in to scrub your back?”

“Ah.” He offered a crooked grin as she slipped into the bathroom, dewy-faced and already changed into a cotton robe. “You look refreshed.”

“Yes, I had a nice chat with Tenzing. She had plenty of questions about how we met and what we are to each other.”

“I thought our shared room spoke for itself.” He wryly said. “What else did you tell her?”

“Some secrets aren’t mine to share.” She leveled a pointed look, identical to the one she’d given him when Tenzing requested instruction in how to kill a murderer. “But I said that we worked together in Japan, and were unexpectedly reunited in the south.”

“Unexpected is one way to put it.”

The Peacebreakers had abducted Akane, but how she escaped, Kougami was not totally aware of the details. What mattered was that he found her at the beginning of the year, in a refugee camp. After departing SEAUN, he traveled to the major trade city of Kunming, and happened to catch word that a Japanese person was needed to translate for a patient with pneumonia. When he stumbled into the tent, he nearly buckled upon recognizing her. He had not left her side since.

The washcloth in her hand gently glided down the nape of his neck. “I was happy that you made the counteroffer to teach Tenzing self-defense. It’ll be good for her to learn.”

“It’s an easier path than pursuing revenge for her family. I doubt she’ll believe me, given why I’m here.”

“Today was long, it’ll be more apparent with training and reading. Traveling, fighting, living in the places we’ve been. I’ve seen it firsthand, I know you. You have changed. So has our home; did you know the borders are opening to refugees?”

“Isolation couldn’t be sustained forever. I suppose with the Western hemisphere’s stabilization, Japan is seeking to regain its place on the world stage. But, are you saying we should request amnesty?”

Her touch moved in slow circles below his shoulder blades, to his waist. “The Peacebreakers are still out there. They managed to smuggle me to the mainland without anyone noticing, so there’s work to be done in that regard. And our friends can help. As long as we contact them.”

Kougami looked at her, the corner of his mouth lifted in affection. “Or we can just show up. Surprise them.”

She was indignant. “Absolutely not!”

“Wouldn’t it be funny? We can interrupt a meeting…even better, one of those safety program events.” 

“Ginoza-san would surely punch you again, or Shimotsuki-san would send an army of Commissa-chan drones after us.”

“A small price to pay. I bet Kunizuka would reach for a Dominator first.”

“Most likely. Hinakawa-kun would freeze, and Sugo-san wouldn’t make a move unless everyone else did. Karanomori-san would probably be the only person who’d enjoy the commotion.” 

“She’ll be the first to ask about us. Everybody will have questions. I’ll have to face your parents, Mama, Saiga-sensei…”

Scrubbing finished, Akane set the washcloth on the tub’s edge. Her fingers ran through his hair and he tilted his head back. Her smile was wistful. “But they’ll be glad to see us again.”

And he gave in. “You’re right.”

“Mm, I knew you’d understand.” Satisfied, she kissed his cheek. He reached up, lowering her mouth to a better angle. When they broke for air, her gaze was lowered, to the obvious ripple above his waist.

He cleared his throat. “I’ll take care of it.”

But her hands skimmed over his chest, her pupils dilating as she took hold. “You can tell me how.”

Of course, his cock had to betray his resolve. They rarely played like this. Excuses to stay warm had turned to quickies in roadside inns and tents. He could count on his hand, the number of times he savored making love to her. When they were home, and survival was no longer a pressing priority, it’d happen more often.

Even now, her fingertips were a little too light, and he shifted. “Firmer. You can-” He hissed as a jolt of pleasure rocketed to the base of his spine.

“Too much?”

“No, good. Better than good.” He bucked into her palm, trying to remember coherent words. Definitely a challenge, especially when her grip twisted just under the head.

“You sound like it is. Should I keep you quiet?” Deliberately, the movement of her hand slowed, similar to how she scrubbed his back. It wasn’t enough. 

He clung to the remnants of control, and managed to grit out. “Hell no.”

She resumed the pace, up and down, and seemed satisfied. “There you go. So good…” 

The praise caused him to arch, as her thumb ran over where his skin felt tightest, and that tipped him over the edge. Her touch worked him through the pulses of release, her unsteady breaths intermingling with his restrained groan. When the candlelight refocused, he dazedly gazed at her flushed face.

“Want to join me?”

“In this tub? Not a chance. I’ll leave you to clean up.” With a parting peck on the forehead, she cheerfully retreated.

“Hey, wait…” A low curse under his breath, he grabbed his towel and started to vigorously dry off. After all, there was a shared room waiting.

v. their own best claim to glory

Akane stretched, her stockings scraping under her knee-length skirt. Through the window, her gaze turned to the expanse of sky. Far beneath the clouds, the dark ocean undulated, without any sign of land yet.

Footsteps approached from behind. With the flight on autopilot, there was only one suspect. “No new transmissions. Once we’re closer to the Goto Islands, there should be an update.” Kougami took the adjacent seat, spinning around so they faced each other. “We’ll be meeting them before noon. How are you feeling?”

“Curious, I suppose. Chief Shimotsuki’s bringing the new Inspector and Enforcers. And it’s our first formal collaboration, since I joined the Suppressing Action Department.”

Trapped in that underground prison, she thought there was no recourse until Foreign Affairs had offered a sliver of freedom in exchange for recruitment. She made the decision in full recognition of what she was giving up, yet the subtle glances of Unit 1 prickled with doubt and regret.

Kougami leaned forward, his hands loosely clasped together. “Do you miss it?”

“Not like how I used to. It’s a sore spot, but it’s not constant.” She tilted her head. “Why do you ask?”

“Because as much as I enjoy having you as an agent of SAD, you’re meant for the law. You love it so dearly, and it loves you in turn. You made better detectives out of everyone you’ve worked with, and when the time comes, you can continue to do so.”

She stared at him. “Is this the ultimate plan? After earning the head minister’s gratitude with this investigation, I’ll be implemented in his staff?”

He gave a sardonic smile. “Reinstating you to the top of the Ministry of Justice, over all the Bureaus. Including Public Safety. You deserve a promotion.”

“I don’t need a promotion, or fame, or glory. What we do is a form of justice too.” Her words were terser than she intended.

“But it’s not your ideal. When we’re abroad, you’re always thinking of what ideas to bring home. You haven’t touched a firearm since shooting the Chief. Speaking of which, that act saved the Ministry, so they ought to accept you for that reason alone.”

“It isn’t so simple. To the rest of society, I’m a criminal who’s unable to be judged. At minimum, I would be an Enforcer, and at worst, imprisoned for life.” She paused. “For that matter, I still don’t know how Foreign Affairs was able to end my sentence.”

“Don’t worry about it.” His response was the same as usual. She could never glean any new information from him, or the others for that matter. Ginoza’s method of deflection was to change the subject, while Sugo coughed and said to ask Kougami. At least, Hanashiro shared her release had a condition, but it had already been fulfilled. “Anyway, things are different, compared to when we were last on the same team. They’re talking of releasing latent criminals on good behavior, increasing the immigration quota, and starting the Hue checks at an older age.”

“Yes, all incredible developments. But our current laws were almost dismantled two years ago, if not for our actions. The system holds justice at point blank range.”

“And like in every gunfight, there’s an opportunity when it counts most.”

“So, you believe the Sybil System is capable of change?”

His gaze was unwavering. “No. I believe in you.”

That stunned Akane into silence. After a few moments, she softly conceded. “I’ll consider what you said. We’ll be cruising for a long time.”

“We could kill time in other ways.” Swiftly, he closed the leftover distance, his mouth on hers. Not for the first time, but in a way that was becoming familiar.

They had not granted a name for what changed between them; a desperate kiss in a hospital room set off a flurry of more stolen moments, though nothing further. And now, they were alone, without concern of being caught. With an irrepressible shiver, she pulled back and tried to reclaim her earlier irritation. She restlessly crossed her legs. “Is that all?”

His line of sight lingered on her skirt. “I was thinking elsewhere. Can I show you?”

Suddenly shy, Akane nodded. He raised his eyebrows, and she bit her lip before exhaling. “Yes.”

For all his boldness, there was the slightest tremor in his fingertips as he undid the zipper and rolled her stockings to her ankles. She was about to call him out on it, when he nipped her inner thigh, making her jump. He staggered hickeys up and up, until she was flooded with impatient desire, her knees shaking on his shoulders.

Abruptly, his hands cupped her backside, lifting her off the seat. She gave a startled cry that broke into a moan, as his tongue languidly parted her softest folds. Slow circles, exploring with interest, then broad licks with his nose buried into a fresh love bite. An unhurried pace, to learn what she liked. 

She tugged at his hair and wriggled into his squeezing grip, calling his name for a groan against her sensitive skin. Then, his lips closed over her clit and pulled her over the edge. As the warmth of her orgasm ebbed, she realized he remained on his knees. He offered a fond grin, widening when she patted his head. Cute.

An alert trilled from the console at the front. Insistent, requiring an acknowledgement.

“I’ll see what the transmission is.” He muttered, reluctantly rising to his feet. “If it’s about weather conditions, I swear…”

She murmured. “Thank you.”

“For what? We’re just getting started.” He tossed a smirk before striding away.

Her blush deepened. “Kougami-san!”

Oh, she was determined now. By the end of this investigation, she’d have him melt in her hands.

vi. no finer, greater gift in the world

Kougami’s eyes snapped open. The pinewood ceiling was not theirs, the dim lights were unfamiliar, and the bed was smaller. Or rather, he had less room, given the white fabric billowing over his legs. Motion ceased, as Akane’s fingers stilled on his chest.

“I’m sorry, did I wake you?”

“No, it’s fine.” And he remembered. He had meant to shut his eyes for a little while, until she returned from the hotel suite’s spacious bathroom, and must have dozed off instead. The exhaustion was unreal, to ensure memorable perfection. Everything had gone according to plan, a quiet ceremony and a reception dinner that lasted well into the night. He was relieved it was finally over. “What time is it?”

“It’s about two in the morning. Technically, the time is shinya.” She smiled in amusement. Beautiful in her bridal gown, she seemed to glow.

Never mind. He’d marry her all over again, just for that. He kissed her, more passionately than the chaste peck in front of their family and friends. Then, he looked over her again, slightly puzzled. “I thought you were going to change?”

“I did remove my makeup, but I couldn’t undo the buttons. Can you help me?”

“Don’t have to tell me twice. Come here.” Kougami coaxed her to sit between his legs and his hands skimmed over her bodice, bringing her close. He started from the top, and she sighed in relief as he began to unfasten the first of many.

“That’s much better. Thank you.”

“It’s your husband’s privilege.” He pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck. “You could’ve woken me earlier, if you were that uncomfortable.”

“I didn’t realize until now. Besides, I liked how peaceful you looked. I hardly get to see your sleeping face, since we work different schedules.”

“Ah, so that’s your secret pleasure. Along with idly stroking my chest.”

Akane made a flustered sound, which he couldn’t resist laughing at, and protested. “Well, as your wife, I’m entitled to some things…”

“A lot more than those.” He dryly replied and paused to twine his left hand through hers. Their matching gold bands faintly tapped against each other. He’d said a number of versions throughout the day, in vows and speeches, but he was happy to reiterate in a low voice, just for her. “I’m all yours.”

The past abounded with challenges, separations, reunions, disagreements, and apologies. In the end, it was always the two of them. 

Her eyes were shining, as she echoed. “And I’m all yours too. We promised each other, forever.”

“I’m glad we agree.” A light kiss followed, before he asked. “Are you too tired, or…?”

“Don’t worry. I’m definitely awake.”

Hastily, the remaining buttons were undone, and she stepped out of her gown. The dusky peaks of her breasts were a lovely distraction as he wrestled out of his suit jacket, which was thrown haphazardly towards her draped veil on the sofa. Meanwhile, she properly folded her dress, although she flashed an admonishing glance at the sound of his zipper.

“Wait, Shinya, I want to help you undress.”

“I’d also like that. The clothes can be handled later.”

She pouted, but returned to straddle his lap. Her fingers neatly plucked at his shirt buttons. “Wrinkles will show in a white gown, if I don’t take care of it. Imagine if I still wore my white kimono from the tea ceremony.”

His thumb caressed her reddened cheek. He followed her lead, in his own teasing observation. “Well, you were gorgeous in both, but I prefer this color on you. Technically, it’s akane.” And he watched it spread further, when he took hold of her hips.

She wasn’t quite ready and he was half hard; he positioned her over the front of his black trousers, while he escaped his shirt sleeves. In comprehension, she started to move, back and forth. Her palms landed on his pecs, causing him to grin. That soon faltered once she freed his erection, openly rubbing between her silken thighs.

Her eyes were wide, blown dark. “Stand for me.” 

He obeyed, and she pulled at his belt loops. Pants, boxers, and panties were kicked aside. Every barrier removed, he flipped them onto the bed. She was wet enough now, and steadily watching her expression, he pushed into her. 

Her legs hooked behind his back, and the change in angle let him go to the hilt. His control frayed, his thrusts rougher and more erratic. He slid one hand down her body, pressing above her clit and then directly upon the tender tip. Automatically, she squeezed, and stars lit up in his vision. 

“Hold on.” He managed to rasp.

“Today’s okay. I want you inside me.” And with those sweet seductive words, she locked him in place.

He hit climax first, making sure she was quick to follow and timing each stroke with her pulses. Afterwards, they remained that way for as long as possible, until she touched his shoulder. He pulled out, feeling the warm trickle of their releases. Then, he sensed her stare and realized he was slack-jawed. He swallowed thickly.

“Incredible.”

A slow smile curved her mouth. “My thoughts exactly.” Her legs were trembling, and he gently set her down.

He pushed the damp hair away from her forehead. “I should clean you up.”

“In a little bit.” Her eyelids fluttered with satisfied drowsiness. “A couple minutes, and we can use the shower.”

“Alright.” He dropped next to her, spooning her closely and remembering how they crossed the threshold. “I’ll carry you again.”

It was their wedding night, and in this moment, they were ordinary people. They would have a future of conversation, laughter, progress, new ventures, and love. The rest of their lives.